Staying fit isn’t the only thing Ferris State University’s University Recreation services
can offer students.

“One of the most important aspects of getting involved with sports is stress relief,”
said Fernando Labra, who coordinates intramural and club sports for URec. “Whatever
it is that helps you recreate, if it’s playing softball or basketball, or just coming
in here to run on the track, physical activity helps you escape your day.”

Aside from the track and workout equipment, URec offers various fitness classes, including
yoga, dance and aerobics. Also available to students are a rock wall, pool, and basketball
and volleyball courts.

“There are so many things you learn from sports that you don’t learn in the classroom,”
said Labra, who has been at Ferris since 2010. “No matter what career you go into,
you have to work with people, which you do in intramural and club sports, as well
as learn organization skills, time management and conflict resolution.”

URec will launch its annual Rec Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the Student
Recreation Center. Last year, Rec Fest consisted of team tournaments, which limited
the number of students able to get involved. The event this year focuses on individual
skills, such as shooting a basketball or participating in a punt-and-pass competition
for football, which Labra hopes will draw a lot of students to discover everything
URec has to offer.

“A lot of people don’t realize we rent out skis, backpacks, as well as tents and camping
supplies if you want to go camping,” Labra said.

UREC also will offer new sports this year, such as floor hockey, disc golf and a Strongest
Bulldog Contest, similar to the Karas Cup, named after Frank Karas, who founded Ferris
intramurals in the 1950s. The year-round competition will encourage students to put
a team and sport together; a trophy and shirts will be awarded to the team that not
only wins the most, but has the most participation.

Also new this year will be a Homecoming 5K and an Xbox tournament, plus intramural
sports champion shirts will be different.

“Staying active means staying healthy; it helps you keep your mind fresh and leave
your day behind,” said Labra, who enjoys working out, playing flag football and participating
in the Big Rapids softball league. “Coming to the Rec for 30 minutes or an hour is
a very small fraction of your day that could turn out to be the best part.

“Recreation is extremely helpful as far as your stress levels, your acclamation to
school, especially if you’re a new student, and socializing, which many students do
before, after or even during their workout,” he said.

Last year, more than 3,300 students participated in intramural sports alone. Labra
hopes to see that number jump to 4,500 this year. Online registration forms will be
available soon, he said.